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The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of crude protein (CP) level and breed type on growth, noncarcass components and carcass characteristics of young sheep during the fattening period. Forty-two 1-year-old sheep of the Barbarine (BB), Queue Fine de l'Ouest (QFO) and Noire de Thibar (NT) breeds, with an average weight of 32 kg, were fed diets with two CP levels: 160 and 110 g CP/kg of DM [high protein (HP) and low protein (LP) diet, respectively]. Each breed was divided into two groups and received a daily ration composed of 1 kg of a concentrate (204 and 132 g CP/kg of DM for HP and LP, respectively), and 0.5 kg of oat hay/sheep.day. The trial lasted 120 days after which all of the animals were slaughtered. It was found that protein level had not affected the growth rate, although the slaughter weight was 48.75 and 51.56 kg for groups receiving the LP and HP diets, respectively. Overall, carcass yields, non-carcass components and carcass composition were similar for bothCPlevels (50%,18%and32%of muscle, bone and fat, respectively). However, the HP diet promoted fat depots and the development of third grade fat meat whereas the LP diet enhanced first grade leg and lean meat. The BB breed had a higher dressing percentage and a lower offal percentage than QFO and NT breeds. The QFO breed recorded the heaviest internal fat whereas the NT registered the heaviest internal organs and the highest percentage of leg and shoulder. From the findings it can be concluded that CP requirements for young sheep could be limited to 110 g CP/kg of DM. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Meat industry generates large volumes of by-products like blood, bones, meat trimmings, skin, fatty tissues, horns, hoofs, feet, skull and viscera among others that are costly to be treated and disposed ecologically. These costs can be balanced through innovation to generate added value products that increase its profitability. Rendering results in feed ingredients for livestock, poultry and aquaculture as well as for pet foods. Energy valorization can be obtained through the thermochemical processing of meat and bone meal or the use of waste animal fats for the production of biodiesel. More recently, new applications have been reported like the production of polyhydroxyalkanoates as alternative to plastics produced from petroleum. Other interesting valorization strategies are based on the hydrolysis of by-products to obtain added value products like bioactive peptides with relevant physiological effects as antihypertensive, antioxidant, antidiabetic, antimicrobial, etc. with promising applications in the food, pharmaceutical and cosmetics industry. This paper reports and discusses the latest developments and trends in the use and valorisation of meat industry by-products. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Grass-based suckling beef-derived foods occasionally exceed regulatory levels for polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and dibenzo- p -dioxins/dibenzofurans (PCDD/Fs). Ensuring chemical safety requires understanding the cow-calf transgenerational PCB and PCDD/F fate. The current focus was on dairy cows, omitting transgenerational fate and suckling beef-related physiological effects. This study aimed to investigate PCB and PCDD/F absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion within 12 Simmental cows (six primiparous/six multiparous) and 12 calves fed with the milk of their respective mothers for 109 days prepartum until 288 days in milk (DIM), i.e., slaughter time. Eight cows were exposed to a grass silage-soil mixture. Four were decontaminated after DIM164 by receiving uncontaminated grass silage, which four control cows received. An input-output balance during gestation and lactation was computed from PCB, PCDD/F, and lipid inputs (solid feed/milk intakes), outputs (fecal/milk excretions), and body storage (initial/final burdens). At slaughter, PCB and PCDD/F tissue distribution, and lipid allometry were linked. Apparent PCB and PCDD/F absorption rates and metabolized fractions decreased with increasing chlorination. In calves, PCB absorption showed no effect due to chlorination (steady range: 71–87%). High-chlorinated PCB and PCDD/F absorption rates decreased when provided through soil. Cows excreted PCBs and PCDD/Fs via feces (50% relative to input) and milk (9%) and accumulated only 5% in their body, whereas calves accumulated the largest fraction of the total input in their bodies (44%). Cow physiology affected accumulation and excretion, as in primiparous cows, net body burden and milk assimilation efficiencies were higher and lower, respectively, than in multiparous. Liver-specific enrichment was observed in cows and calves (7.0- and 3.2-fold iPCB and dlPCB + PCDD/F TEQ, compared to empty body-based lipid concentrations), whereas iPCBs were also enriched in kidneys (3.1-fold) and muscles (1.5-fold). Consequently, adipose concentrations did not perfectly represent most edible beef tissues. This highlights the essence of integrating the interplay between physicochemical pollutant properties and animal physiology in transgenerational transfer assessments of PCBs and PCDD/Fs. [Display omitted] • Increasing PCB lipophilicity reduced the absorption rate in cows but not in calves. • Compared to POPs from grass silage, POPs from soil were less absorbed by cows. • Calf exposure to POPs occurred more via milk suckling than prenatal exposure. • Young calves (3 mo) had lower estimated metabolism rates than 10 mo calves and cows. • IPCBs are more concentrated in liver, kidneys and muscles than in adipose tissue. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective of this study was to evaluate plans glutamine supplementation to broilers from one to 42 days old on hot environment. Six hundred ninety male birds Cobb were used and distributed in a randomized block design with five plans glutamine supplementation: 0 % glutamine from one to 42 days old; inclusion of 0.5 % glutamine of one to 7 days and 0 % of 8 to 42 days, 1.0 % glutamine of one to 7 days and 0 % of 8 to 42 days, 1.0 % glutamine of one to 7 days 0.5 % glutamine for 8 to 14 days and 0 % of 15 to 42 days, 1.0 % glutamine from one to 7 days, 1.0 % glutamine from 8 to 14 days, 0.5 % glutamine of 15 to 21 days and 0 % 22 to 42 days, and 6 replicates of 23 birds each. The initial weight of the birds was used as blocking criterion. Data were subjected to analysis of co-variance and when significant differences occurred, means were compared by Tukey test at 5 % probability. It was found that the broilers fed with diets supplemented with 1.0 % glutamine from one to 14 days and 0.5 % glutamine from 14-21 days had higher final body weight, weight gain and increased carcass weight, breast and back compared to other supplemental plans. For birds under high temperatures, it is recommended to supplement 1.0 % glutamine from one to 14 days, 0.5 % glutamine from 14 to 21 days and 0 % glutamine from 22 to 42 days of age, which provides greater body weight, weight gain, carcass weight, carcass yield. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

One of the tasks of European Union Reference Laboratories (EURLs) for feed and food is the organization of proficiency testing (PTs) for the network of National Reference Laboratories (NRLs) of EU member states according to the area of competence. This crucial assignment leads the EURL for Chemical Elements in Food of Animal Origin (EURL-CEFAO) to plan PTs that include various chemical element/matrix/concentration combinations in order to organize a profitable exercise for its network. The purpose of this paper was to describe the 'step-by-step' preparation of a PT material and the efforts of an EURL to provide proper test items to national laboratories (NRLs). The exercise was tailored to train participants and give them the opportunity to practice around the maximum levels (MLs) set in EU legislation, values at which sample acceptance is the critical issue. The EURL strategy has been chosen considering the role of the NRLs that could be summoned as third party in legal controversies. A PT on the determination of cadmium and lead in freeze-dried liver was then scheduled. The goal was to achieve a sample with a mass fraction ( w) of the elements around the ML (0.50 mg/kg for both). Preliminary studies allowed the EURL to calculate the amount of spike to reach the target mass fractions. The target Cd and Pb mass fractions were in good agreement with the contents found in the frame of the homogeneity test as well as with the consensus values derived from the results reported by the PT participants. This proved the suitability of the production procedures and the quality of the delivered PT test items. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Concentration of cadmium was investigated in the heart, tongue, lungs, spleen, liver, kidney, testis, brain and thymus of 15 Saanen goat male kids. This element was determined by inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry (ICP-OES), after microwave digestion. The cadmium concentration was significantly influenced by the type of edible offal. Mean cadmium concentrations ranged from 0.018 mg/kg (heart) to 0.114 mg/kg (kidney). The maximum cadmium concentrations found in the kidney (0.133 mg/kg) and liver (0.075 mg/kg) were below maximum levels (1.0 and 0.5 mg/kg, respectively) set by legislation for these tissues. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Heavy metal and metalloid contamination in food resulting from mining is of major concern due to the potential risk involved. Food consumption is the most likely route of human exposure to metals. This study was therefore to assess metals in different organs and different animal species near gold mines used for human consumption (free-range chicken, goat and sheep) in Tarkwa, Ghana, and to estimate the daily intake and health risk. The concentrations of Cr, Mn, Fe, Co, Ni, Cu, Zn, As, Cd, and Pb were measured with an inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometer and Hg analysis was done using the mercury analyzer. Principal component analysis of the results showed a clear separation between chicken, grouped on one side, and the ruminants clustered on another side in both offal and muscle. Interestingly, As, Cd, Hg, Mn and Pb made one cluster in the offal of chicken. Chicken muscle also showed similar distribution with As, Hg and Pb clustered together. The daily intake of metals (μg/kg body weight/day) were in the following ranges; As [0.002 (kidneys of goat and sheep)–0.19 (chicken gizzard)], Cd [0.003 (chicken muscle)–0.55 (chicken liver)], Hg [0.002 (goat muscle)–0.29 (chicken liver)], Pb [0.01 (muscles and kidneys of goat and sheep)–0.96 (chicken gizzard)] and Mn [0.13 (goat kidney)–8.92 (sheep liver)]. From the results, daily intakes of As, Cd, Hg, Pb and Mn in these food animals were low compared to the provisional tolerable daily intake guidelines. The THQs although less than one, indicated that contributions of chicken gizzard and liver to toxic metal exposure in adults and especially children could be significant. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective To determine the rate of carcass and offal condemnation in the animals slaughtered at Yazd slaughterhouse, Yazd, Iran. Methods In a nine-month retrospective survey from June 2011 to March 2012, all the carcasses and offal condemnations for large animals (cattle and camels) and small animals (sheep and goats) in Yazd Slaughterhouse were carefully recorded daily. Results In total, 2 741 large animals (cattle and camels) and 77 515 small animals (sheep and goats) were slaughtered during the period of this survey. Six carcasses (0.21%) of the large animals and 18 carcasses (0.02%) of the small animals were condemned. For large animals, condemnations in summer and autumn were significantly greater than winter ( P <0.05). Condemnation rate of liver, lungs and kidneys for the large animals were 5.36%, 21.23% and 3.68% respectively and for the small animals were 4.37%, 5.46% and 0.51% respectively. The main recorded reasons for carcass condemnations in both large and small animals were icterus and cachexia. The most prevalent lesion resulting in offal condemnation was due to parasitic infection specially metacestods. Conclusions This study aimed to show the efficiency of documentation records during meat inspection at slaughterhouses to monitor the amount of condemnation and possible approaches to better awareness about the future preventive programs. Considering the percentage of condemnation of carcass and offal in the present study and their price in Iranian markets, the overall economic losses seems to be notable at Yazd slaughterhouse. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In 2003, the Alaska walleye pollock industry reported product quality issues attributed to an unspecified parasite in fish muscle. Using molecular and histological methods, we identified the parasite in Bering Sea pollock as Ichthyophonus. Infected pollock were identified throughout the study area, and prevalence was greater in adults than in juveniles. This study not only provides the first documented report of Ichthyophonus in any fish species captured in the Bering Sea, but also reveals that the parasite has been present in this region for nearly 20 years and is not a recent introduction. Sequence analysis of 18 S r DNA from Ichthyophonus in pollock revealed that consensus sequences were identical to published parasite sequences from Pacific herring and Yukon River Chinook salmon. Results from this study suggest potential for Ichthyophonus exposures from infected pollock via two trophic pathways; feeding on whole fish as prey and scavenging on industry-discharged offal. Considering the notable Ichthyophonus levels in pollock, the low host specificity of the parasite and the role of this host as a central prey item in the Bering Sea, pollock likely serve as a key Ichthyophonus reservoir for other susceptible hosts in the North Pacific. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The entrance of heavy metals into the food chain poses health risks to humans and animals. In swine, exposure to copper (Cu) and zinc (Zn) is related to antimicrobial resistance, whereas cadmium (Cd) and lead (Pb) are possibly linked to kidney toxicity. Heavy metals detection and bioaccumulation in animal meat and offal motivates continuous monitoring of Pb, mercury (Hg), nickel (Ni), arsenic (As), Cu, Zn and Cd concentrations in pork and wild boar and estimates of human intake. The liquid fraction of swine manure contributes to heavy metals leakage into wastewaters and agricultural soils, with eco-toxicological relevance. Efficient swine waste management systems are developed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sixty Canaria lambs and 60 Canaria Hair breed lambs (half male and half female), slaughtered to 9,78±0,49, 15,8±0,66 and 24,9±0,76 kg live weight were studied. The objective of study was to determine the effect of breed, slaughter weight and sex of lamb on percentages of fifth quarter and their components. Canaria breed lambs showed a higher weight for fifth quarter, and its percentage of edible organs was lower than in Canaria Hair breed. The intestines, skin and head were the parts that had greater weight percentage. The importance of the fifth quarter was reduced when slaughter weight increased due to lower percentage of head and legs. Males showed higher values for head, legs and bladder; females showed higher values for the skin. Skin percentage increased when increasing the slaughter weight only in wool lambs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: A series of authentic and offal-adulterated beefburger samples was produced. Authentic product (36 samples) comprised either only lean meat and fat (higher quality beefburgers) or lean meat, fat, rusk and water (lower quality product). Beef offal adulterants comprised heart, liver, kidney and lung. Adulterated formulations (46 samples) were produced using a D-optimal experimental design. Fresh and frozen-then-thawed samples were modelled, separately and in combination, by a classification (partial least squares discriminant analysis) and class-modelling (soft independent modelling of class analogy) approach. With the former, 100% correct classification accuracies were obtained separately for fresh and frozen-then-thawed material. Separate class-models for fresh and frozen-then-thawed samples exhibited high sensitivities (0.94 to 1.0) but lower specificities (0.33–0.80 for fresh samples and 0.41–0.87 for frozen-then-thawed samples). When fresh and frozen-then-thawed samples were modelled together, sensitivity remained 1.0 but specificity ranged from 0.29 to 0.91. Results indicate a role for this technique in monitoring beefburger compliance to label. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

[Display omitted] • Anaerobic digestion (AD) may be suitable to treat aquaculture and fishery wastes. • Challenges to valorization of aquaculture and fishery wastes via AD are analyzed. • Major inhibitory concerns are elevated LCFA, ammonia, salinity, and low alkalinity. • Recovery opportunities for valuable biomolecules and nutrients are highlighted. • Future research for implementation of AD in the fishery industry is discussed. The unprecedented demand for seafood has resulted in land-based recirculating aquaculture systems (RAS), a highly intensive but sustainable fish farming method. However, intensification also results in concentrated waste streams of fecal matter and uneaten feed. Harvesting and processing vast quantities of fish also leads to the production of byproducts, further creating disposal challenges for fish farms. Recent research indicates that anaerobic digestion (AD), often used for waste treatment in agricultural and wastewater industries, may provide a viable solution. Limited research on AD of freshwater, brackish, and saline wastewater from RAS facilities and co-digestion of seafood byproducts has shown promising results but with considerable operational and process stability issues. This review discusses challenges to AD due to low solid concentrations, salinity, low carbon/nitrogen ratio, and high lipid content in the waste streams. Opportunities for recovering valuable biomolecules and nutrients through microbial treatment, aquaponics, microalgae, and polyhydroxyalkanoate production are also discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Journal of Central European Agriculture is the property of Journal of Central European Agriculture and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

The article focuses on a study conducted on edible offal's of buffaloes to determine the level of organochlorine pesticides (OCP). A total of 135 random samples were collected from Ismalia, Zagazig and Mansura region of Egypt with 15 samples each of liver, kidney and tongue between October 2010 and June 2011. The samples were then screened for presence of OCP. Tongues had the highest concentration of OCP. The level of OCP residues were within the Egyptian maximum permissible limits.

Abstract: Responsible fisheries management requires the consideration of fishing effects on ecosystems including non-target species. Extensive distributional overlap between fisheries and seabirds, and the attractiveness of the catch and fishery waste to foraging birds, leads to fatal interactions between seabirds and fishing gear. In a series of experiments, we have investigated measures for managing trawl processing waste to reduce seabird mortalities. Different fisheries generate different volumes of processing waste, and vessel capacities for holding this waste can vary significantly both within and between trawl fleets. Here, we compare seabird responses to discharging trawl fisheries waste ad hoc, as and when waste became available, with responses to discharging waste after holding periods of 30min and 2h. Using abundance as a proxy for the risk of mortality, we show that compared to discharging ad hoc, holding waste for two specified periods prior to discharge significantly reduces vessel attendance by small seabirds, and both small and large seabirds, respectively. Drawing on this study and our past work, we provide best practice guidelines for trawler waste management to reduce seabird mortality due to interactions with trawl warps. If the ideal approach of discharging waste only when fishing gear is out of the water is impossible, then discharging waste rapidly in maximally large batches, as infrequently as possible is recommended. Holding periods of 30min to 8h may be required to reduce the abundance of small species of seabirds attending vessels. For large seabirds, holding periods of 2–4h are required, and 8h holding periods are still more effective. Discharging waste as it becomes available is not recommended. Mincing processing waste can reduce the attendance of some seabird species at vessels, especially large albatrosses. However, holding waste is preferred, due to relative simplicity in the mechanics of dealing with waste, lower cost, and greater reductions in seabird abundance. Though developed on trawl fisheries, principles of these guidelines are applicable to any fishery discharging waste attractive to seabirds. While holding fisheries waste can minimise seabird captures on trawl warps worldwide, evidence-based management measures are still required to reduce seabird mortalities in trawl nets. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The aim was to evaluate the influence of organ and calf type on the chemical composition, mineral concentration, fatty acid profile and inherent properties in offal. Organ type influenced (p<0.01) all evaluated characteristics, whereas calf type to a lesser extent affected mineral content. The highest contents of K, Zn and Fe were found in liver. The heart of veal calves contained the highest contents of Mg and Mn. In addition, the most favorable fatty acid profile was also found in hearts, by reason of the lowest SFA and highest PUFA percentage and h/H ratio. Significantly higher values of PUFA percentage, PUFA/SFA ratio, and content of CLA were found in organs of suckler beef, which is associated with the beneficial effects of grazing on the fatty acid profile. Results could help to increase the consumption of calves'' offal and its utilization in meat processing. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

A study on the occurrence and seasonal incidence of hydatid cysts of sheep, goals and caitlc was carried out during 2008 and 2009 by weekly regular visits to Mosul abattoir and other areas i.e. outside abattoir. All slaughtered livestock were of local breed, of both sexes, originated from various areas of Mosul and were of different ages having non descriptive features. Visual inspection and palpation of the lesions were followed in this study. Of 4800 sheep, 960 goats and 720 cattle were examined, 96 sheep, five goats and four cattle were found to harbour the cysts representing infection rate of 2%, 0.52% and 0.55%, respectively. The lowest seasonal incidence was observed in winter for sheep (3.16%) and goats (1.25%). The lowest level of incidence was 0.16% for sheep and 0% for goats was noticed in summer. However, in cattle no infection was taken place in winter and autumn but 1.11% infection rate was equally seen in summer and spring. The preponderant site of cyst was the liver in sheep (46.8%) and goals (40%). In caltle the commonest location of the cyst was the lung (50%) followed by mixed site of liver and lung (25%) and liver (25%). The results indicated that only fertile cysts were present in the sheep representing 83.33% of fertility percentage. The number of cysts in the infected organs ranged between 1-16, 1-6 and .1- 10 for sheep, goats and cattle, respectively. Tt can be concluded that only sheep play a major role in dissemination of hydatidosis. However, being anthrozoonotic, potential risk may be increased due to incorrect, disposal of infected offal with unhygienic slaughter protocols [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article presents a study on the effects of alfalfa concentrate on the fatty acid composition and cholesterol level of lamb serum and offal. It discusses the results of the study which found that fatty acids increased in lambs fed with any form of alfalfa while the cholesterol levels decreased. It attributes the lower levels of serum and offal cholesterol in the groups given alfalfa to the hypocholesterolemic effect of the saponin present in the alfalfa.

Abstract: Seabird bycatch in trawl fisheries is driven by the attraction of birds to foraging opportunities, i.e., the discharge of catch processing waste and the contents of trawl nets. The risk of seabird captures increases with seabird abundance and exposure to fishing gear. We investigated (1) how quickly seabirds responded to discharges of trawl catch processing waste and (2) whether decreasing numbers of seabirds attended trawlers during processing waste discharge events as the time interval between these events increased. Waste was retained onboard the vessel for four different holding periods (30min, 2h, 4h, 8h), one of which was applied each day using a randomised block design. We determined seabird responses to batch discharge events after the prescribed holding periods using the abundance of large (albatrossses and giant petrels Macronectes spp.) and small (all other petrels except cape petrels Daption capense, shearwaters and prions) seabirds in a semi-circle of 40m radius, centred on the stern of the experimental trawler. Seabird responses reflected the type of discharge released: birds moved from the air to the water, as the amount of food available increased from no discharge, through sump discharge to batch discharge. When discharge occurred, seabird abundance increased faster than could be resolved with the 5min sampling period. However, abundance decreased more slowly over a 10–15min period after the discharge event. The number of large seabirds attending the vessel during discharge events decreased significantly when waste was held for 4h. For small birds, significant decrease occurred after 8h. Such holding periods emphasise the tenacity of foraging seabirds, although we have not evaluated any long-term habituation to a particular discharge regime. While holding waste for less than 4h may not reduce seabird attendance during discharge events, holding for shorter intervals can still reduce bycatch risk, e.g., prior to and during net shooting and hauling. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

In Ghana, butchering is one of the most common and lucrative jobs in villages, towns, and cities as a major source of employment and wealth creation for mostly traditional butchers. Though there is an ever changing meat processing standard internationally, butchers in Ghana on the other hand are still holding tight to their old practices and customs. Live animals are bought based on visual assessment and not by weight. Some of the butchers sell their products without weighing. There are no suitable weighing scales to determine live and carcass weights. This preliminary study was conducted using 35 animals to provide a means of a more accurate estimation of live and carcass weights of three tropical cattle beef cattle; the Zebu (Plate1), the humpless West African shorthorn (WASH) (Plate2) and the Sanga (Ghana Sanga), a crossbreed between WASH and Zebu (Plate3). Their live and carcasses weights and the weights of their major carcass components and offal were used to provide information on their carcass characteristics. The carcass components used were: empty carcass, fore-and hind-quarters and filet, internal offal (heart, liver, lungs, spleen, kidney and the rumen) and external offal (head, tail, legs and skin). In terms of live weight, the Zebu was significantly (P< 0.001) heavier (309 Kg), than the Sanga (202 Kg) and the WASH (162Kg). Consequently, the zebu had a heavier (P< 0.001) carcass weight (156kg) than the Sanga (93kg) whilst the WASH had the least carcass weight (73kg) (P< 0.001). All the major carcass components of the Zebu were significantly (P<0.001) heavier than that in the Sanga and the WASH. Correlations on all the three breeds demonstrate high positive relationships between carcass components and the live and carcass weights. In all the three breeds, the fore-quarters constituted higher percentages (average 53.7%) of the carcass weights than the hind-quarters (average 46.3%). Those carcass components (fore- and hind-quarters, head and legs), which were positively correlated to live weight could be used to predict the live weights of these animals. The offal (heart, liver and spleen), which are positively correlated to the carcass weight could also be used to estimate or predict the carcass weights. Due to their small size, the beef performance of the WASH is generally low, although the dressing percentages are similar to those of the Sanga and the Zebu. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We aimed to evaluate the maternal factors [including dietary habits, dental care, smoking, anemia, levels of breast-milk zinc (Zn) and iron (Fe), and levels of serum selenium (Se), Zn and copper (Cu)] that influence breast-milk mercury (Hg) concentrations and to investigate whether there is any relation between Hg concentrations and infant growth and development during the exclusive breastfeeding period and in the second year of life. Forty-four healthy mother-infant pairs in the 10-20-day postpartum period were enrolled in the study. Maternal history and blood samples for hemoglobin, Fe, Fe binding capacity, ferritin, Se, Zn, and Cu and breast-milk samples for Fe, Zn and Hg were taken. Infant growth and development during the exclusive breastfeeding period and in the second year of life were followed. The mean concentration of breast-milk Hg was 3.42± 1.66 μg/L. Serum Se levels were negatively correlated with milk Hg levels. Multivariate analysis revealed that active/passive smoking and offal intake during pregnancy and presence of maternal anemia had an impact on increased milk Hg concentrations. Preventive strategies for mercury exposure should include management of iron deficiency anemia, cessation of smoking exposure and proper nutrition during the pregnancy period. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Abstract: The urinary phase II metabolites of norsteroids, 19-norandrosterone, 19-noretiocholanolone and 19-norepiandrosterone glucuronide and sulphate, were analyzed in samples collected during the pregnancy, following the administration of norsteroids or the consumption of edible parts of non-castrated pig and in athletes’ samples in which they were found during routine controls. The level of the sulfo- and glucuroconjugated metabolites was precisely determined by GC/HRMS, after selective hydrolysis. The goal was to evaluate whether the fine analysis of the norsteroid conjugates produced and excreted in different conditions would show a pattern that could be linked to their origin. The delta 13C values of the metabolites formed following the ingestion of edible parts of non-castrated pig were measured by isotope ratio mass spectrometry. Our results indicated that it is not possible to determine the origin of the urinary metabolites based upon the sole evaluation of the different metabolites and conjugates. The GC/C/IRMS is the only method permitting to distinguish between the exogenous and endogenous origin of the metabolites. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Heterocyclic amines (HAs) are potent mutagens formed during heat-processing of proteinaceous food. PhIP is the most ubiquitous and abundant mutagenic HA. In this study several offal products (beef liver, lamb kidney and beef tongue) have been thermally processed and analysed for HAs for the first time. Norharman and harman were the amines most abundant, found at concentrations below 2ngg−1. PhIP was only formed up to 0.12ngg−1. Among the rest of HAs analysed, only DMIP, MeIQx and 4,8-DiMeIQx were detectable in cooked kidney and tongue up to 0.25ngg−1. The influence of cooking additives on HAs formation was evaluated, finding higher levels of norharman and harman, up to 8.87ngg−1, in liver processed with additives, whereas similar levels of the rest of HAs were found in these samples. The low amounts of HAs found after the prolonged thermal treatments over 200°C indicates that offal products are among the types of meat that produce lowest exposure to HA. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The risk of seabird bycatch in trawl fisheries is increased by high numbers of seabirds attending vessels to feed on fish waste discharged. We conducted an experimental test of whether mincing fish waste prior to its discharge from a factory trawler reduced the number of seabirds attending the vessel. The trial was conducted on a mid-water trawler targeting hoki (Macruronus novaezelandiae) in New Zealand waters, and the experiment compared three treatments (1) discharging ‘unprocessed’ waste (fish offal and whole discards), (2) mincing all waste to a small particle size before discharge, or, (3) converting all waste to fishmeal and reducing discharge to sump water. The response to the experimental treatments was determined using seabird abundance within a 40m-radius semi-circular area centred on the vessel stern. Mincing reduced the numbers of large albatrosses (Diomedea spp.) feeding astern of the vessel, but had no significant effect on other groups of seabirds. In contrast, reducing discharge to sump water resulted in a significant reduction in numbers of all groups of seabirds. In particular, the abundance of the small albatross group (principally Thalassarche spp.), and some smaller procellarids (e.g. sooty shearwater, Puffinus griseus, and white-chinned petrel, Procellaria aequinoctialis), was reduced to less than five percent of the number that were within the sweep area when unprocessed discharge was released. While mincing significantly reduced the abundance of large albatrosses at the vessel stern, relatively small numbers of these birds attend trawl vessels in New Zealand waters and associated bycatch rates are low. In contrast, reducing the quantity of fish waste discharge by mealing resulted in reduced abundances of a wide range of seabirds at the vessel. Therefore, compared to mincing, we recommend fish waste retention as a more effective management strategy for reducing seabird bycatch. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Many seabirds are killed or injured by fishing gear, contributing to the high proportion of threatened seabirds. This study estimates the impact of the South African deep-water hake Merluccius spp. trawl fishery on seabirds. At least 30 birds were killed in 190 h of dedicated observations of trawl warps during 2004 and 2005. Most were killed when their wings were entangled around the trawl warp and they were dragged under by the force of the water passing over the warp. Albatrosses were killed most frequently: shy albatrosses Thalassarche cauta (43% of all birds killed) and black-browed albatrosses Thalassarche melanophrys (37%), with smaller numbers of white-chinned petrels Procellaria aequinoctialis (10%), Cape gannets Morus capensis (7%) and sooty shearwaters Puffinus griseus (3%). Mortalities occurred mainly during dumping of fishery wastes, and were more frequent in winter, when more birds attended fishing vessels. Average mortality rates were 0.56 (95% confidence interval 0.32–0.82) birds killed per hour during dumping in winter, 0.21 (0.07–0.38) during dumping in summer and 0.09 (0.02–0.19) when not dumping in winter. No birds were killed in the absence of dumping in summer. Albatrosses suffered a disproportionately high mortality rate, with 15% of birds dragged under drowning, compared with 4% of all other species. Deaths resulting from entanglement in fishing nets mainly affected Cape gannets M. capensis, and occurred at an average rate of 3.0 (0.9–5.4) birds per 100 trawls ( n=331 trawls). Serious warp incidents were independent of age among albatrosses, but there was a tendency for immature gannets to have a higher interaction rate than adults. Crude extrapolation suggests that total mortality is c. 18 000 (8000–31 000) birds per year, of which 85% are killed on warps and 15% entangled in nets. These estimates are of the same order of magnitude as estimates of long-line bycatch in South African waters. Mitigation measures have been implemented to reduce mortality in this fishery. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Lung pathologies are considered to be of great economic importance, as they affect the productivity of pigs and also are a problem in meat inspection. The aim of this study was to determine the most frequent respiratory pathologies in pigs at Lithuanian slaughterhouses and to estimate their influence on the physical-chemical characteristics of musculus longissimus dorsi. Lesions of pneumonia, mainly typical "enzootic pneumonia" were detected in 46.14 % of all investigated lung samples. Pleuritis, alone or associated with pneumonia was recorded in 29.55 % of all examined cases. Variable numbers of abscesses, necrosis, and inflammation focuses in lungs of slaughtered pigs were observed, but the lungs were not significantly affected by pneumonia. In pigs with pneumonia statistically significant. Furthermore, in pigs with pathological lesions in the lungs significant increament of meat pH (p<0.05) and tenderness (p<0.01) compared to normal pigs was registered. However, meat yellowness b* was significantly higher (p<0.05) in the group of normal pigs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In rural communities, such as Olds, Alberta (population 7248) energy may be produced through anaerobic co-digestion of municipal, agricultural, and agro-industrial wastes. An inventory within a 20 km radius of Olds revealed that 291 000 tonnes of wet organic waste are generated annually (96.8% manure) with an electrical potential of 42 GWh (1 GWh = 106 kWh). Analysis of feedlot, hog, dairy and poultry manure, offal, food, grass, and biosolids identified the potential for waste blending to optimize solids content, nutrient balance, and pH level. In laboratory tests, biogas yield increased from 0.382 m3/kg volatile solid (VS) for feedlot manure alone to 0.513, 0.517, and 0.500 m3/kg VS with co-digestion of 30% hog manure, 15% offal, and 30% offal, respectively. Methane content of biogas increased from 75.8% in feedlot manure digestion to 78.8, 79.5, and 80.9% with co-digestion of 30% hog manure, 15% offal, and 30% offal, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sheep livers, spleens, kidneys and hearts were taken from fifteen carcasses at a local slaughterhouse to study proximate composition, energy value, minerals content and chemical and microbiological characteristics. A wide range of weights was identified between organs and within one type of organ. Kidneys had the highest mean moisture and fat contents, while liver had the highest protein content, nitrogen-free extract value, energy (kcal) values and the lowest pH value. The thiobarbituric acid value was highest in kidneys and lowest in livers. There was considerable variability of mineral content within and between organs. The aerobic plate counts were similar for all organs and numbers of Staphylococcus aureus were low, with little difference in number between organs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Offal of bovine, ovine and porcine are able to accumulate potentially toxic heavy metals, such as Cd and Pb, posing a risk for human health. For this reason, the Commission Regulation no. 466/2001 provided the maximum admitted levels for these metals in this kind of matrix (Cd, 500ngg−1 in all kinds of offal; Pb, 500ngg−1 in liver and 1000ngg−1 in kidney). A method based on sector field inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry for Cd and Pb quantification in calf liver was developed and further applied to offal of different animals. The uncertainty of measurements was calculated according to the Eurachem/Citac Guide. The method LoDs and LoQs were 3.5 and 11ngg−1 for Cd, and 2.0 and 6.0ngg−1 for Pb. The repeatability and the intra-laboratory reproducibility showed relative standard deviations equal to 2.25% and 1.99% for Cd and 1.49% and 6.55% for Pb. Relative expanded uncertainties at the mean value in calf liver were 4.74% for Cd and 13.8% for Pb. In Italian offal the following concentration intervals were found (in ngg−1): (i) Cd: calf, from <3.5 in spleen and lung to 96.4 in kidney; lamb, <3.5 in all offal; pig, 114 in liver and (ii) Pb: calf, from 4.03 in lung to 31.8 in liver; lamb, from 4.71 in heart to 279 in liver; pig, 9.19 in liver. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Fifty intact male Barbarine lambs were used to assess the effects of restricted feeding and re-alimentation on intake, growth and non-carcass components. Five lambs were slaughtered at the start of the trial, the remainder were randomly allocated into three groups. One group was offered only stubble grazing (low: L), another, also on stubble, received, indoors, an average of 80 g dry matter (DM) of soya-bean meal per day (medium: M); the third group was kept indoors and had free access to hay and 450 g of concentrate per day (high: H). At the end of this restriction period (70 days), five lambs per group were slaughtered. The 10 remaining animals in each group were divided into two groups receiving concentrate and hay ad libitum. The crude protein content (CP) of the concentrate was 160 and 210 g/kg DM for the two treatments, respectively. At the end of the trial all animals were slaughtered at 37.61 ± 2.05 kg live weight. In the restriction period, sheep from the H group had a significantly higher growth rate (108 g/day) than L group (61 g/ day) with M intermediate. The empty body weight (EBW) as well as carcass weight were significantly higher in H than in restricted sheep. Digestive tract components and liver weight were the same for all treatments. However, skin weight was significantly (P<0.01) affected by dietary treatment. The heart and lungs were also heavier in H lambs than in the two other groups. Conversely, the relative weights of gut and liver as proportion of EBW increased in restricted lambs, while that of skin and red organs was not affected by diet. In the re-alimentation period and with both CP levels, the compensating animals showed the same growth rate as the previous unrestricted ones. At the end of this period, organ weights, in both absolute and relative value, were comparable among lambs of the three nutritional histories and two CP level. The absolute and proportional daily gains were similar in all animals for visceral and external organs, but they were significantly higher in H lambs than in L and M ones for the omental and mesenteric fat and testis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In Galicia, Spain, liver copper concentrations, muscle zinc concentrations and kidney cadmium concentrations (in adult cattle) can exceed acceptable maximum concentrations which have been adopted by some countries. The aim was to calculate the contribution of cattle products to the daily intake of trace and toxic metals by humans in Galicia and to evaluate whether there was any health risk to consumers. This was done by comparing calculated intakes with published acceptable daily intake rates for toxic elements and with the accepted safe ranges for population mean intakes of the essential metals. Typically, the contribution of cattle meat and offal to the daily cadmium, lead and arsenic intake of people in Galicia was minimal because offal is rarely eaten. However, liver from older cattle, especially animals from relatively contaminated areas, could pose a health risk if offal was consumed in substantial quantities. Muscle and liver from Galician cattle that exceeded acceptable maximum concentrations for copper and zinc did not pose a risk to human health. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fish processing creates a large amount of waste of high nutrient content which, if not properly processed for use in human or animal nutrition, is likely to be deposited in the environment creating pollution problems. Waste parts from rainbow trout processing for smoking, consisting of heads, bones, tails and intestines, were used as feed ingredients for gilthead bream diets. Heads, bones and tails had similar compositions, their weighed mean indicating about 700 g kg[sup -1] moisture, 150 g kg[sup -1] protein and 110 g kg[sup -1] fat. Intestines contained higher lipid (350 g kg[sup -1]) and lower moisture (560 g kg[sup -1]) and protein content (80 g kg[sup -1]). Seasonal changes in composition indicated significant differences. Three experimental diets were formulated having the same proximate composition on a dry weight basis. The control diet (A) contained fish meal as the main protein source and fish oil as the oil supplement. In diet B part of the protein and most of lipid was provided by trout waste and in diet C most of the lipid was provided by trout intestines. Gilthead bream fingerlings of 4 g initial weight were fed to apparent satiation for 72 days, at a temperature of 20 °C, to an average final weight of 19 g. All diets were fed in a dry form. The experiment was performed in duplicate. Growth and feed utilization data were high and similar among groups. The body composition of the resulting fish did not show any difference among dietary treatments. Differences in liver lipid and fatty acid content were found between all dietary treatments. The growth and body composition data from this preliminary experiment indicated that trout waste could be used successfully as a dietary ingredient of sea bream diets. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Large amounts of meat by- and co-products are generated during slaughtering and meat processing, and require rational management of these products for an ecological disposal. Efficient solutions are very important for sustainability and innovative developments create high added-value from meat by-products with the least environmental impact, handling and disposal costs, in its transition to bioeconomy. Some proteins have relevant technological uses for gelation, foaming and emulsification while protein hydrolyzates may contribute to a better digestibility and palatability. Protein hydrolysis generate added-value products such as bioactive peptides with relevant physiological effects of interest for applications in the food, pet food, pharmaceutical and cosmetics industry. Inedible fats are increasingly used as raw material for the generation of biodiesel. Other applications are focused on the development of new biodegradable plastics that can constitute an alternative to petroleum-based plastics. This manuscript presents the latest developments for adding value to meat by- and co-products and discusses opportunities for making meat production and processing more sustainable. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]